Android Wear

Updated: 11 hours ago

In Short

Wearables are the next big frontier for smart technology. And on March 18, 2014, Google announced its part in it — Android Wear. As the name implies, Android Wear is an Android-based initiative, using Google's mobile operating system and a dedicated software development kit to kick-start the wearables space.

On August 31, 2015, it was announced that Android Wear would also be compatible with iOS devices. iOS users can receive notifications & Google Now cards, as well as use voice commands, using the LG Watch Urbane — with other devices said to follow down the road.

Android Wear brings Google into the small space, in a big way

Android Wear is starting with smartwatches, but it isn't solely a Google endeavor. Wearables from Motorola, LG, ASUS, Samsung, and Sony have already hit the shelves, with several others expected by the end of the year. Google has said it's also working with other partners, including Broadcom, Imagination, Intel, Mediatek and Qualcomm. Even fashion brands like Fossil are in on Android Wear, and other fashion and luxury brands are bound to follow.

You can think of Android Wear as an extension of the experience we've grown to enjoy with Google Now. And just like with our smartphones, Android Wear will have us talking to our watches. You'll be able to speak to request information as well as reply to information you've already received. Weather info. Chats with friends and family. Direct queries. Direct actions.

27 August 2015 52By Jared DiPaneThe upcoming second-generation Moto 360 has been spotted a number of times already, and the latest images reveal what is said to be two different variants of the smartwatch. Motorola is said to be releasing both small and large options this time around.

21 August 2015 71By Jared DiPaneThe Moto 360 is due for a refresh, and we have already seen it leak and even get teased by Motorola itself. Now, folks are reporting spotting the watch on the wrist of some lucky folks in Chicago, the hometown of Motorola's headquarters.

20 August 2015 23By Jared DiPaneGoogle has added interactive watch faces to Android Wear, which will make it easier to stay connected from your wrist. A tap on the watch face will now reveal information, or even launch a specific app for you.

18 August 2015 57By Jared DiPaneAt Intel's Developer Forum, Fossil took to the stage to give a glimpse of its upcoming Android Wear smartwatch. While details were scarce, we now have a first look at it.

14 August 2015 131By Jared DiPaneMotorola has posted a new video on its Twitter account which includes renders of what may be the next-generation Moto 360. The render looks nearly identical to the images we have seen previously, so was this an accidental, or intentional leak?

06 August 2015 32By John CallahamMicrosoft has just released the first Android version of its Translator app, which also supports Android Wear. In addition, the company has released an update for the Android Wear version of its OneDrive app, and launched a redesign of its OneNote Android Wear app.